Illinois is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States. With a population of over 12 million people, it is the sixth most populous state in the country. Illinois is home to many great cities, each with its own unique character and charm. Whether you are a resident of the state or a visitor, exploring the top 20 cities in Illinois is a must-do activity. In this essay, we will take a look at these top 20 cities, along with their population, location, and some interesting facts.
Illinois Map with Cities
Before we dive into the top 20 cities, let’s take a quick look at the Illinois map with cities. The state of Illinois is divided into 102 counties, and each county has several cities and towns. The state’s capital is Springfield, located in the central part of the state. Other major cities in Illinois include Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, Joliet, Naperville, and Peoria. Illinois is a vast state, covering an area of over 57,900 square miles, and it has a diverse landscape, including vast prairies, rolling hills, and sprawling forests.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the top 20 cities in Illinois:
- Chicago: With a population of over 2.7 million people, Chicago is the largest city in Illinois and the third-largest city in the United States. It is located in the northeastern part of the state, on the shore of Lake Michigan. Chicago is known for its world-class museums, art galleries, and architecture, as well as its famous deep-dish pizza.
- Aurora: Located in Kane County, Aurora is the second-largest city on the Illinois map with cities, with a population of over 200,000 people. It is located about 40 miles west of Chicago and is known for its beautiful historic downtown and the Fox River, which runs through the city.
- Rockford: With a population of over 147,000 people, Rockford is the third-largest city on the Illinois map with cities. It is located in Winnebago County, in the northern part of the state. Rockford is known for its beautiful parks and gardens, as well as its many museums and cultural attractions.
- Joliet: Located in Will County, Joliet is the fourth-largest city on the Illinois map with cities, with a population of over 147,000 people. It is located about 40 miles southwest of Chicago and is known for its historic downtown, the Rialto Square Theatre, and its many festivals and events.
- Naperville: Located in DuPage and Will Counties, Naperville is the fifth-largest city on the Illinois map with cities, with a population of over 142,000 people. It is located about 28 miles west of Chicago and is known for its beautiful downtown area, Riverwalk, and top-rated public schools.
- Springfield: As the capital of Illinois, Springfield is a significant city, with a population of over 117,000 people. It is located in Sangamon County, in the central part of the state. Springfield is known for its many historic sites, including the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
- Peoria: With a population of over 110,000 people, Peoria is the seventh-largest city on the Illinois map with cities. It is located in Peoria County, in the central part of the state, and is known for its beautiful Riverfront area and its many cultural attractions.
- Elgin: Located in Cook and Kane Counties, Elgin is the eighth-largest city on the Illinois map with cities, with a population of over 100,000 people. It is located about 35 miles northwest of Chicago and is known for its beautiful downtown area, which features many historic buildings.
- Waukegan: Located in Lake County, Waukegan is the ninth-largest city on the Illinois map with cities, with a population of over 86,000 people. It is located about 40 miles north of Chicago and is known for its beautiful lakefront area, which includes the Waukegan Harbor and Municipal Beach.
- Cicero: Located in Cook County, Cicero is the tenth-largest city on the Illinois map with cities, with a population of over 80,000 people. It is located about 10 miles west of Chicago and is known for its rich history, which includes being the site of Al Capone’s headquarters during the Prohibition era.
- Champaign: Located in Champaign County, Champaign is the eleventh-largest city on the Illinois map with cities, with a population of over 87,000 people. It is located in the central part of the state, about 135 miles south of Chicago, and is known for its thriving downtown area, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and its many cultural attractions.
- Bloomington: Located in McLean County, Bloomington is the twelfth-largest city on the Illinois map with cities, with a population of over 77,000 people. It is located in the central part of the state, about 135 miles southwest of Chicago, and is known for its many parks, gardens, and cultural attractions.
- Arlington Heights: Located in Cook County, Arlington Heights is the thirteenth-largest city in Illinois, with a population of over 74,000 people. It is located about 25 miles northwest of Chicago and is known for its beautiful downtown area, which features many restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions.
- Evanston: Located in Cook County, Evanston is the fourteenth-largest city in Illinois, with a population of over 74,000 people. It is located about 12 miles north of Chicago and is known for its beautiful lakefront area, the Northwestern University campus, and its many cultural attractions.
- Schaumburg: Located in Cook County, Schaumburg is the fifteenth-largest city in Illinois, with a population of over 72,000 people. It is located about 30 miles northwest of Chicago and is known for its many shopping centers, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
- Bolingbrook: Located in Will and DuPage Counties, Bolingbrook is the sixteenth-largest city in Illinois, with a population of over 75,000 people. It is located about 35 miles southwest of Chicago and is known for its many parks, shopping centers, and cultural attractions.
- Decatur: Located in Macon County, Decatur is the seventeenth-largest city in Illinois, with a population of over 71,000 people. It is located in the central part of the state, about 140 miles southwest of Chicago, and is known for its rich history, which includes being the site of the first African-American owned bank in the United States.
- Palatine: Located in Cook County, Palatine is the eighteenth-largest city in Illinois, with a population of over 68,000 people. It is located about 30 miles northwest of Chicago and is known for its beautiful downtown area, which features many restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions.
- Skokie: Located in Cook County, Skokie is the nineteenth-largest city in Illinois, with a population of over 64,000 people. It is located about 16 miles north of Chicago and is known for its many cultural attractions, including the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center.
- Des Plaines: Located in Cook County, Des Plaines is the twentieth-largest city in Illinois, with a population of over 58,000 people. It is located about 20 miles northwest of Chicago and is known for its beautiful downtown area, which features many restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions, as well as its proximity to O’Hare International Airport.
In conclusion, Illinois is a diverse state with many cities that offer unique cultural and recreational opportunities. Whether you are interested in exploring the rich history of the state or enjoying the natural beauty of its many parks and lakes, there is something for everyone in Illinois. And with the help of an Illinois map with cities, you can easily navigate your way to your next adventure in this great state.
